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Letter to Editor
October 9, 1787
The Daily Advertiser ; Political, Historical, And Commercial
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Satirical letter from 1787 arguing that U.S. national hospitality should serve as a political tool to promote federal sentiments, pacify hungry anti-federal critics through feasting, and embarrass opponents, rather than mere display of dignity.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
8th Oct. 1787.
From the New-Jersey Journal, of the 3d instant.
Mr. Kollock,
THE United States keep a table for the purposes of national dignity— Mistaken idea. Governmental dignity does not depend upon turtle soups or fricassees, but upon the rigorous execution of the laws, the preservation of public faith, the payment of national debts, and the delicate distinction of its society.— National hospitality might be used as a state expedient to promote federal sentiments, and remove the prejudices of some hungry demagogues to congressional government. The clamor of patriots is often the effect of hunger, and is as often hushed by a sop in the pan. The political Cerberus's should be patted, stroked, and fed, not with livers and lights, but with calf's head, and they will soon, like the spaniel, crawl on their belly, wag their tail, and kiss your feet. When they are in this situation, you may put brass collars on them, engraved U. S. Cherry-street ; and you may couple the hungry pack with federal chains, mount the state horses, and pursue the antifederal Fox, with a tallio! tallio! hoicks.
If hospitality is used as a weapon of party, you may embarrass some of your opponents who would sacrifice the idol popularity if it cost a dinner.
Man is called an animal rationalis, but reason seldom governs him.— The passions and appetites are the keys of the instrument, which produce concord, if touched with address, and discord if handled awkwardly. There are some minds which would not be convinced by reasoning, yet may be influenced by four Claret and magnum Champaigne. National hospitality should have a political design, and should not be lavished on flagitious and notorious enemies of the United States, because they can return invitations ; nor upon European debtors who are fugitives from their creditors, because they are strangers; nor on English factors, riders, patience carriers, &c. who will criticize your calapakes and calapees. This is not society which does credit to the hospitality of the United States.
Sept. 28, 1787.
L. E.
From the New-Jersey Journal, of the 3d instant.
Mr. Kollock,
THE United States keep a table for the purposes of national dignity— Mistaken idea. Governmental dignity does not depend upon turtle soups or fricassees, but upon the rigorous execution of the laws, the preservation of public faith, the payment of national debts, and the delicate distinction of its society.— National hospitality might be used as a state expedient to promote federal sentiments, and remove the prejudices of some hungry demagogues to congressional government. The clamor of patriots is often the effect of hunger, and is as often hushed by a sop in the pan. The political Cerberus's should be patted, stroked, and fed, not with livers and lights, but with calf's head, and they will soon, like the spaniel, crawl on their belly, wag their tail, and kiss your feet. When they are in this situation, you may put brass collars on them, engraved U. S. Cherry-street ; and you may couple the hungry pack with federal chains, mount the state horses, and pursue the antifederal Fox, with a tallio! tallio! hoicks.
If hospitality is used as a weapon of party, you may embarrass some of your opponents who would sacrifice the idol popularity if it cost a dinner.
Man is called an animal rationalis, but reason seldom governs him.— The passions and appetites are the keys of the instrument, which produce concord, if touched with address, and discord if handled awkwardly. There are some minds which would not be convinced by reasoning, yet may be influenced by four Claret and magnum Champaigne. National hospitality should have a political design, and should not be lavished on flagitious and notorious enemies of the United States, because they can return invitations ; nor upon European debtors who are fugitives from their creditors, because they are strangers; nor on English factors, riders, patience carriers, &c. who will criticize your calapakes and calapees. This is not society which does credit to the hospitality of the United States.
Sept. 28, 1787.
L. E.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satirical
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
What keywords are associated?
National Hospitality
Federal Sentiments
Anti Federalists
Political Strategy
Governmental Dignity
Satirical Metaphor
What entities or persons were involved?
L. E.
Mr. Kollock
Letter to Editor Details
Author
L. E.
Recipient
Mr. Kollock
Main Argument
national hospitality should be strategically used as a political tool to promote federal sentiments, pacify anti-federal demagogues by satisfying their hunger, and influence opponents through indulgence rather than mere display of governmental dignity.
Notable Details
Uses Cerberus Metaphor For Political Opponents
Compares Critics To Dogs That Can Be Tamed With Food
References 'Animal Rationalis' To Argue Passions Over Reason
Criticizes Inviting Enemies, Debtors, Or English Traders